The Brazilian centre-back, a £11.2m January signing from La Liga side Villarreal, has impressed with his performances in Spain, prompting Arsene Wenger to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in a bid to strengthen his side’s defence going into the second half of the season.

Having sold Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona during the summer, Arsenal have been short of quality backup to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny in central defence, with the likes of Calum Chambers, Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy all playing out of position in that department at points this season.

This has led to some poor defensive displays, with Gabriel himself admitting he’s noticed it as an area that the team can improve on, and that he hopes he can do well for his new side to help them in their cause.

“The few games I have watched and witnessed, during the season, I saw that there is room for improvement,” the 24-year-old said.

“We have a lot to conquer because Arsenal is a very big club, we must always be at the top. I think it’s a club that will keep growing throughout the season, and that over the next few years we will be able to win important titles.

“I’m coming to a very big club and I know that I will play with great players. While respecting everyone, I want to play for my place in the team. I know that is not going to be easy, I must show my potential, I have to show that I can be in the group, that the manager can count on me.”